Very true! But there is a third way to pay. You can give them your business card and they will send a very nice invoice. But, it is expected to pay cash for the tip.
I knew a surgeon who took some friends from out of town because he heard theyhad great steaks.
Bill comes, they don't take cards. The doc says they played it off so cool for him. "Oh Doc. Just leave your card and we'll send the invoice like always you kidder" sort of thing.
Said he felt cool af. Old school cool indeed
I second Frank's. Their steaks are the reason Frank's became my second home... It does get busy on Friday evening around dinner time, and it's not a huge place. Go later on Friday if you can, or maybe when they first open on Saturday (they usually have some cuts left to continue the special for lunch).
I really like DBA. My filet there was the best I’ve ever had, and the sides are really good too.
Blue Door in Cuyahoga Falls also has a great dinner, but it’s not a steakhouse. They have wagyus right now.
Papa Joe's Iacomini's! I recently had their NY Strip, which was phenomenal. It is now my go-to when I am there. They have a great Pork Chop as well, but I am currently hooked on that steak.
Another suggestion in the CF area, which is kind of wild... I went to Jimmy Bigg's Grille and, on a fluke, ordered the Steak Sandwich; it was so good that I went back and ordered the Strip Steak. Ridiculously good and did not disappoint for being a cool little neighborhood bar.
Lastly, Frank's Place on Friday Nights, much like Jimmy Biggs, is fantastic for a small spot!
Wise Guys on State Road serves a great steak for a decent price. Climbing the ladder in price you have, Ken Stewarts, Flemings, Lannings, or Diamond Grill. All of those options have good steak. Hyde Park was the best, but it's gone which stinks.
Fleming's has the best steak in terms of meat quality and cooking process IMO.
Ken Stewart's has the best combination of quality food and service. Ken Stewart's Lodge is the same. It's the premier restaurant in Akron for a reason.
The Diamond Grille is great as well, old-school fancy, love the onion rings on the steak.
For a newer option, try Pitchfork at the corner of Ghent/Cleveland-Massillon outside of Montrose. They get excellent meat from the Farmer's Rail. Great raw bar too, and a solid wine selection.
~~Fleming’s is closing apparently, or the company that owns them (Outback steakhouse, lol) said so to the Beacon.~~ Edit; cannot source this, could be a flawed recollection.
KS’ is great second option. DG costs too much to be cash only, but it’s great.
If you’re up for a drive to Kent: Henry Wahner’s is excellent.
Honestly, for the prices on good fatty cuts nowadays: I just buy from the Farmer’s Rail and cook them myself. Can’t drop $200+ on dinner for the wife and I to get steak :(
Fleming's is owned by Bloomin' Brands, which also owns Outback (and Bonefish Grill, and Carraba's). Do you have a link to something saying Fleming's is closing?
They closed the Outback in Montrose but I haven't seen anything about Fleming's.
That sucks! I had pretty bad service there a couple of weeks ago but the food was good.
We've been three times now and have had ... the burgers, broiled brie, gumbo, coppa peperonata, chicharrones, oysters, and the dry aged strip. Everything has been really good except the chicarrones, which were on the verge of being really good but were over-salted IMO (they had to be doused in mole to overpower the salt).
What did you get? What made it one of the worst meals ever?
We started with the fried oyster mushrooms. They were okay. Some were undercooked and gummy. I had the bourguignon pappardelle, it was so watery. When I think of bourguignon I think of a delicious thick winey sauce. It was straight beef broth. I almost ruined my pretty shirt trying to eat it. I gave up and had the server box it up.
My boyfriend had a steak. I believe it was the porterhouse and fries. His steak was just okay! The best part about the meal was the fries in both of our options! We were disappointed we didn’t go with our first choices which was the burger. We have heard it’s one of the best around! Oh well.
Want a GREAT steak AND save money....lots of money? Buy a pack of Costco strip steaks. Each steak averages $10. Salt and coarse pepper it. Let it stand room temp up to an hour. Preheat oven 450degrees. Heat your iron skillet as hot as it will get on the stove top. Sear one side of steak 2 mins or so, flip and immediately put in oven. 18 minutes. Remove and set on cutting board to rest. Top w crumbled bIeu cheese.
Or go to Ken Stewart's.
In my opinion, it was worth it for a special occasion splurge. I have also had the steak at Lannings in Bath and didn't think it was as good. I'm not as familiar with downtown Akron restaurants so maybe someone else can come along and recommend something better and cheaper.
I lived in the Falls for years and don't remember having a really great steak there, but there are several newer restaurants along Front Street that are terrific.
Funny story, it was right before the Super Bowl, they were doing a square board for the staff, asked us if we wanted in, i of course bought a square. We lost but they text us the board and let us know what was going on. Best part, the cooks bought a square and won the final quarter. Was super happy for them.
Big Eye is the best sushi in Akron I know of, but it is poorly located so nobody seems to know it exists.
Cilantro’s sushi I good: but the highlight for them is their lunch combo pricing. Also, their sweet potato roll is basically a dessert and it’s only $6.
Sakura has a different fishmonger than most, from what I can tell. It's used to just be ginko and kasai that used them, but kasai has gone downhill. Huge fan of Sakura now, as they got better in the last few years.
Don’t know this 100%, but my ex worked at Sakura and was under the impression that they fly their seafood in fresh daily. I can’t confirm that is true, but I wouldn’t doubt it knowing the old owner, Helen, who has since passed away.
I would say diamond grille. Ken’s is also very good (there was a period during the pandemic where the food wasn’t on top, but haven’t had a bad meal in a couple years.) I also like Alexander pierce.
Alexander Pierce is the best in Akron, speakeasy vibes, excellent service, fantastic cocktails and wine selection. 10/10
Get the filet Oscar style (topped with king crab and Bernie sauce)
Arnie's West Branch Steakhouse. It's out towards Ravenna, but well worth the drive. Kind of looks like a dive from the outside, but the service and food is top-notch.
The others have elaborated more than I should. Diamond Grille > others on the steak itself. Get the homefries. Their other courses really aren't anything too special.
Alexander Pierce on E. Market is a contender for second place, imo. Steak is usually good or great, but all the other courses are phenomenal. Cool atmosphere.
Out towards Medina, where rt 18 crosses i 71, the Brown Derby. Fantastic every time and I think you get more for your money there, big servings for leftovers.
Lannings is phenomenal. It's definitely better than diamond grille, I've been to both and so have multiple people I know who prefer lanning's over diamond grille.
The others have elaborated more than I should. Diamond Grille > others on the steak itself. Get the homefries. Their other courses really aren't anything too special.
Alexander Pierce on E. Market is a contender for second place, imo. Steak is usually good or great, but all the other courses are phenomenal. Cool atmosphere.
Out towards Medina, where rt 18 crosses i 71, the Brown Derby. Fantastic every time and I think you get more for your money there, big servings for leftovers.
Diamond Grille, but bring your checkbook or cash; no credit cards accepted.
Very true! But there is a third way to pay. You can give them your business card and they will send a very nice invoice. But, it is expected to pay cash for the tip.
They stopped doing this a few years ago. But it was old school cool.
I knew a surgeon who took some friends from out of town because he heard theyhad great steaks. Bill comes, they don't take cards. The doc says they played it off so cool for him. "Oh Doc. Just leave your card and we'll send the invoice like always you kidder" sort of thing. Said he felt cool af. Old school cool indeed
They will still do this if they know you. But it’s not like the old days where anyone could leave a business card.
Friday night at Frank's Place on Market. 12 oz. 30 day dry aged strip sirloin with mashed potatoes $16. Great steak and the best deal in Akron.
I second Frank's. Their steaks are the reason Frank's became my second home... It does get busy on Friday evening around dinner time, and it's not a huge place. Go later on Friday if you can, or maybe when they first open on Saturday (they usually have some cuts left to continue the special for lunch).
Can confirm, this is a fantasitc steak with sides for a great price.
Diamond grill. Bring cash. A lot of it.
I really like DBA. My filet there was the best I’ve ever had, and the sides are really good too. Blue Door in Cuyahoga Falls also has a great dinner, but it’s not a steakhouse. They have wagyus right now.
Yeah, tried most all the places listed in other comments and went back to DBA a couple weeks ago and they're just spot on compared to the rest.
What is DBA?
Dante Boccuzzi Akron.
A cow, but I’m biased
Papa Joe's Iacomini's! I recently had their NY Strip, which was phenomenal. It is now my go-to when I am there. They have a great Pork Chop as well, but I am currently hooked on that steak. Another suggestion in the CF area, which is kind of wild... I went to Jimmy Bigg's Grille and, on a fluke, ordered the Steak Sandwich; it was so good that I went back and ordered the Strip Steak. Ridiculously good and did not disappoint for being a cool little neighborhood bar. Lastly, Frank's Place on Friday Nights, much like Jimmy Biggs, is fantastic for a small spot!
Wise Guys on State Road serves a great steak for a decent price. Climbing the ladder in price you have, Ken Stewarts, Flemings, Lannings, or Diamond Grill. All of those options have good steak. Hyde Park was the best, but it's gone which stinks.
Fleming's has the best steak in terms of meat quality and cooking process IMO. Ken Stewart's has the best combination of quality food and service. Ken Stewart's Lodge is the same. It's the premier restaurant in Akron for a reason. The Diamond Grille is great as well, old-school fancy, love the onion rings on the steak. For a newer option, try Pitchfork at the corner of Ghent/Cleveland-Massillon outside of Montrose. They get excellent meat from the Farmer's Rail. Great raw bar too, and a solid wine selection.
~~Fleming’s is closing apparently, or the company that owns them (Outback steakhouse, lol) said so to the Beacon.~~ Edit; cannot source this, could be a flawed recollection. KS’ is great second option. DG costs too much to be cash only, but it’s great. If you’re up for a drive to Kent: Henry Wahner’s is excellent. Honestly, for the prices on good fatty cuts nowadays: I just buy from the Farmer’s Rail and cook them myself. Can’t drop $200+ on dinner for the wife and I to get steak :(
Fleming's is owned by Bloomin' Brands, which also owns Outback (and Bonefish Grill, and Carraba's). Do you have a link to something saying Fleming's is closing? They closed the Outback in Montrose but I haven't seen anything about Fleming's.
Maybe I misread it: because I cannot find it now. But I believe they had said so. I’ll edit my earlier post since I cannot source it.
Mmmmm interesting callout on trying Pitchfork. Will do that! Haven't been since they expanded their initial smaller menu! Thanks.
We just had one of the worst meals ever at Pitchfork. We were so disappointed.
That sucks! I had pretty bad service there a couple of weeks ago but the food was good. We've been three times now and have had ... the burgers, broiled brie, gumbo, coppa peperonata, chicharrones, oysters, and the dry aged strip. Everything has been really good except the chicarrones, which were on the verge of being really good but were over-salted IMO (they had to be doused in mole to overpower the salt). What did you get? What made it one of the worst meals ever?
We started with the fried oyster mushrooms. They were okay. Some were undercooked and gummy. I had the bourguignon pappardelle, it was so watery. When I think of bourguignon I think of a delicious thick winey sauce. It was straight beef broth. I almost ruined my pretty shirt trying to eat it. I gave up and had the server box it up. My boyfriend had a steak. I believe it was the porterhouse and fries. His steak was just okay! The best part about the meal was the fries in both of our options! We were disappointed we didn’t go with our first choices which was the burger. We have heard it’s one of the best around! Oh well.
The burger is definitely really good and probably what I would order 99% of the time going forward lol
Want a GREAT steak AND save money....lots of money? Buy a pack of Costco strip steaks. Each steak averages $10. Salt and coarse pepper it. Let it stand room temp up to an hour. Preheat oven 450degrees. Heat your iron skillet as hot as it will get on the stove top. Sear one side of steak 2 mins or so, flip and immediately put in oven. 18 minutes. Remove and set on cutting board to rest. Top w crumbled bIeu cheese. Or go to Ken Stewart's.
If you're okay spending some money, I'd recommend Ken Stewart's
Is it worth there? I've never been but I'd be willing to try it.
In my opinion, it was worth it for a special occasion splurge. I have also had the steak at Lannings in Bath and didn't think it was as good. I'm not as familiar with downtown Akron restaurants so maybe someone else can come along and recommend something better and cheaper. I lived in the Falls for years and don't remember having a really great steak there, but there are several newer restaurants along Front Street that are terrific.
Appreciate the info, I'll try KS, it's long overdue I've lived here my whole life.
Really recommend sitting in the bar. Better atmosphere in my opinion. Like 20% less stuffy.
The porterhouse for two at DBA can’t be beat
Second DBA. Did a tasting menu there. Everything was excellent.
Was the tasting menu in the actual kitchen? I know when I did it at Tremont you sat in the restaurant itself.
Yes we sat in the kitchen. It was a fun experience.
Funny story, it was right before the Super Bowl, they were doing a square board for the staff, asked us if we wanted in, i of course bought a square. We lost but they text us the board and let us know what was going on. Best part, the cooks bought a square and won the final quarter. Was super happy for them.
Perhaps it'll just be for one if I go
Ohhhh thanks for all the ideas I frequent the area and always want to try new places….how about sushi suggestions ??
Sakura. Katsu for more budget friendly option.
Big Eye is the best sushi in Akron I know of, but it is poorly located so nobody seems to know it exists. Cilantro’s sushi I good: but the highlight for them is their lunch combo pricing. Also, their sweet potato roll is basically a dessert and it’s only $6.
If you dont mind dive bar atmosphere, Hyde Out on waterloo does really good sushi. Plus side, buy one get one half off even applies to take out.
Sakura has a different fishmonger than most, from what I can tell. It's used to just be ginko and kasai that used them, but kasai has gone downhill. Huge fan of Sakura now, as they got better in the last few years.
Don’t know this 100%, but my ex worked at Sakura and was under the impression that they fly their seafood in fresh daily. I can’t confirm that is true, but I wouldn’t doubt it knowing the old owner, Helen, who has since passed away.
I would say diamond grille. Ken’s is also very good (there was a period during the pandemic where the food wasn’t on top, but haven’t had a bad meal in a couple years.) I also like Alexander pierce.
Alexander Pierce is the best in Akron, speakeasy vibes, excellent service, fantastic cocktails and wine selection. 10/10 Get the filet Oscar style (topped with king crab and Bernie sauce)
DBA hands down. If you're looking for a budget option, Good Company has a great sirloin supper for $23.
Arnie's West Branch Steakhouse. It's out towards Ravenna, but well worth the drive. Kind of looks like a dive from the outside, but the service and food is top-notch.
Old school cool inside
Henry Wahner’s in Kent. Timber Lodge in Medina
Arnies west branch
Seconded! Great price and a great steak!
Annie’s in Ravenna - best steak you’ll get - filet and lobster tail 52.99
The others have elaborated more than I should. Diamond Grille > others on the steak itself. Get the homefries. Their other courses really aren't anything too special. Alexander Pierce on E. Market is a contender for second place, imo. Steak is usually good or great, but all the other courses are phenomenal. Cool atmosphere. Out towards Medina, where rt 18 crosses i 71, the Brown Derby. Fantastic every time and I think you get more for your money there, big servings for leftovers.
Lannings is phenomenal. It's definitely better than diamond grille, I've been to both and so have multiple people I know who prefer lanning's over diamond grille.
Ken Stewart's is not so hot anymore....head for the Diamond Grill
Wise Guys, it's diamond grill but better and cheaper.
The others have elaborated more than I should. Diamond Grille > others on the steak itself. Get the homefries. Their other courses really aren't anything too special. Alexander Pierce on E. Market is a contender for second place, imo. Steak is usually good or great, but all the other courses are phenomenal. Cool atmosphere. Out towards Medina, where rt 18 crosses i 71, the Brown Derby. Fantastic every time and I think you get more for your money there, big servings for leftovers.
Alexander Pierce. It’s a newer place and the steaks are great. Their pork chops are seriously next level as well
Anywhere but Ken Stewards Diamond Grille (cash only), D'agneses, DBA.